updated 06:15 am EDT, Mon September 20, 2010

iPad has conquered the home, cars next

BMW has showcased its plans for iPad OEM accessories at the Paris motorshow, signalling that the device is set to supplant the traditional car-based DVD unit with flip down screen as the future of in-car entertainment. The iPad dock rotates from horizontal to vertical and looks to be seamlessly integrated with the front passenger headrest in the photos. Whether it is capable of charging the device on the go is unclear at this stage.

The second piece of Apple-centric BMW OEM accessory on display at the Paris show is an iPhone dock that supports a BMW Link app, which integrates the device with the car's audio, Bluetooth phone, and satellite navigation systems.

It appears to be another sign that the iPad has begun to attain a similar status to the iPhone as a halo product in the Apple product range. Expect other manufacturers to follow suit with similar solutions, especially with mobile Wi-Fi hotspot integration steadily becoming a feature of new cars hitting the market. [viaGizmodo]

charging

First Mercedes and now BMW...

Supposedly the Germans know quality but whether they do or not, the iPad is being aligned with some decently branded vehicles. If only the American auto manufacturers get on board, the iPad will certainly become somewhat of a successful transition from traditional computer devices to tablets. Apple desperately needs something to drive iPad sales into the tens of millions for a couple of years. An iPad could certainly put a lot of information at a driver's fingertips, but on the other hand could prove to be quite a distraction for drivers that need to be focusing on the road.